Written by

Mitchell A. Skurzewski
Daily Herald Media

As Austin Hawkins strode across the Kohl Center floor, past the big red 'W', and made his way to his coach Chad Weinfurter in the waning moments of Auburndale's Division 4 state title loss to powerhouse Whitefish Bay Dominican, it wasn't exactly a storybook ending.

But given time to reflect, the senior realizes how special that moment was, as the Kohl Center crowd showed its appreciation for the effort Hawkins put forth, finishing with 31 points and 13 rebounds against 6-foot-9 Division 1 prospect Diamond Stone.

"It is a moment that will stay with me," Hawkins said. "Coach (Weinfurter) hugged ...